Weekly News and Updates, July 18, 2012
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Stephen Sufian and Nathan Zenack will be observing the yahrzeits of their mothers, Jaime Lockett and Ruth Zenack. Please join us and help make a minyan so Steve and Nathan can recite Kaddish.
Shabbat Candle Lighting Times for Fairfield
Shabbat (candle lighting) begins at 8:17 p.m. on Friday, July 13. Shabbat ends (Havdalah begins) Saturday, 9:22 p.m. in Fairfield.
Happy Birthday, Vernon!
Dr. Vernon Katz
Vernon Katz, a trustee and visiting professor at Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa, celebrated his 85th birthday on July 11. He earned a first class honours degree and a doctorate in philosophy from Oxford University. His thesis on Indian philosophy was supervised by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the eminent philosopher who became India’s second president. Vernon’s work with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Vedic literature began in 1962, when Maharishi invited him to assist with translation of the Bhagavad- Gita.
Vernon’s book, Conversations with Maharishi (2011) recalls these days. Dr. Bevan Morris writes, “Dr. Vernon Katz brought such huge delight to Maharishi. His sweet and lovable nature was one thing-but his powerful and highly discriminating intellect and his repeated enquiries to Maharishi inspired Maharishi so much.”
The Blue Salon and Other Follies (2008) vividly recounts the 1930’s childhood of Vernon Katz in Lippe, Germany. Through the eyes of an observant young boy, the author reveals how Jewish life in a country town gradually eroded as the Nazis came to power. With a dry wit, the author recaptures his childhood and family life through light-hearted anecdotes and pictures, as well as dramatic events, including his mother’s escapes from imprisonment and death by the Nazis.
Thanks Emo & Friends!
Emo Baer with Dr. Nancy Lonsdorf at Beth Shalom, July 13, 2012
Thanks to Emo Baer, who celebrated his 90th birthday with a talk at Beth Shalom’s Shabbat Service, recollecting his years in Germany, pre- and post-Independent Israel, and Iowa. Thanks also to David Matt, who led the service, Kabuika Kamunga who came up with this idea to honor Emo, and to all those who attended and brought a dish to the dessert potluck.
Thanks also to Nancy Lonsdorf, who recorded Emo’s talk. If you would like a digital audio copy, e-mail Ben Winkler at HBWink@gmail.com with your request. Emo recounted these experiences more extensively in his 1998 book, The Transcendental Rose: An autobiography: childhood in Germany, growing up with Israel, meditating in Iowa. A 2nd edition has just been released. If you would like a copy, e-mail Emo at ebaer@mum.edu, for price and availability.
Shabbat Candle Lighting Times for Fairfield
Shabbat (candle lighting) begins at 8:17 p.m. on Friday, July 13. Shabbat ends (Havdalah begins) Saturday, 9:22 p.m. in Fairfield.